The Brandon University community is coming together to help students step confidently into upcoming interviews for Co-op opportunities, Field Experience, and early career roles. The BU Confidence Closet, led by the Faculty of Education’s Field Experience Office in partnership with the BU Co-operative Education Program, will provide students with free access to gently used professional clothing.
The one-day pop-up event will take place on Friday, February 6, offering students the chance to browse and select interview-ready attire that aligns with their personal style, size, and career goals.
“As students prepare for important interviews, we want them to feel capable, polished, and confident,” said Shawna Philpott, Director of Field Experience in the Faculty of Education. “For some students, professional clothing can be a barrier. The BU Confidence Closet is one small way we can support them in showing up ready for their moment.”
The initiative invites BU faculty, staff, and alumni to donate gently used professional wear, including suits, blazers, dress pants, skirts, blouses, ties, shoes, portfolios, handbags, and winter coats suitable for professional settings. Donations in all sizes, and for any gender, are encouraged to ensure a wide and inclusive selection.
“It takes courage to walk into a job interview, and even more so when it’s your first,” said Cora Dupuis, BU Co-op Director. “The BU Confidence Closet can remove a minor but meaningful hurdle, so we can send our students into their interviews knowing they are supported by their campus community.”
Donations will be accepted until Monday, February 2, at the Faculty of Education Main Office. Additional collection points, including the Faculties of Arts Main Office, the Dean of Science Office, as well as Student Services, are in place to make participation easy for the campus community.
At the event next Friday, students will also benefit from the expertise of BU alumna Shae Worthington, a fashion expert who runs Hippie Thrift to curate the best in second-hand clothing.
“Nothing hits like a great outfit. The right look can totally change how you walk into a room and how you see yourself,” said Worthington, who contributed some select pieces to kickstart the BU Confidence Closet collection, as well as helping out with basics like clothing racks.
“I love matching people with pieces that make them light up, and I’m so excited to help these students feel confident, capable, and ready for whatever’s next.”
The BU Confidence Closet reinforces Brandon University’s commitment to hands-on learning and student success. By bringing together the Field Experience Office, the Co-operative Education Program, and faculty and staff across campus, the initiative reflects a collective effort to uplift students as they prepare for the next steps in their academic and professional journeys.
“The Confidence Closet is about more than clothing,” Philpott added. “It is about helping students see themselves as capable, prepared, and ready for wherever their careers may take them.”
Following the event, any remaining clothing will be used to support future student needs or shared with local community organizations.
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